Fragrance emitting plant watering system

ABSTRACT

A fragrance emitting plant watering system having a bottom vase providing a reservoir for water supply for a potted plant, an air freshener cartridge supported on the vase, a cap adapted to overlie the cartridge and having a central section for supporting a plant, and wherein the cap is adjustable relative to the vase for movement between a first position in which the cap is raised to variably expose the cartridge to emit fragrance, and a second position in which the cap substantially covers the cartridge to seal the cartridge and inhibit fragrance emission.

This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 08/514,818,filed Aug. 14, 1995 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,162 issued Dec. 26, 1995which is a divisional of Ser. No. 08/352,078 filed Dec. 1, 1994 now U.S.Pat. No. 5,477,640 issued Dec. 26, 1995.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a combination fragranceemitter and potted plant container, and in particular to a combinationfragrance emitter and plant-supporting container having a self-wateringcapability.

Plant watering containers having self-watering features are known in theart, reference being made to U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,996,792 and 5,111,614, toReinhold Holtkamp, Sr. The patented assembly comprises a container whichserves as a liquid reservoir, with a potted plant being supported on andwithin the container. A watering wick extends upwardly into the pot andis downwardly into the water reservoir, thereby permitting watering ofthe plant through capillary action. The self-watering feature has provedhighly satisfactory and the container has had substantial commercialsuccess. However, there is no fragrance emitting characteristicassociated with the self-watering container.

There are a myriad of commercially available air freshener products andthese vary greatly in type and function. Typical room fresheners arecharacterized by being relatively compact and decorative, therebyproviding the desired air freshening function in an aestheticallysatisfactory design or configuration. However, to the best knowledge ofapplicant, there has been no air freshener prior to the presentinvention which combines both the air freshening feature with aself-watering container capable of supporting and providing a wateringsystem for a potted plant. Although U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,835 describes acombined fragrance dispenser and humidifier capable of receiving arelatively limited number of decorative cut flower stems, the device isprimarily a humidifier and is incapable of supporting a potted plant.Moreover, the structure and arrangement of the container and fragranceemitter are distinctly different than in accordance with the presentinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The basic objective of the present invention is to advantageouslycombine into a single product the feature of fragrance emission with aplant-supporting container having a water reservoir from which thesupported plant can be automatically self-watered.

A further object is to provide such a combination wherein the overallconfiguration is aesthetically pleasing, is durable and long-lasting inconstruction, and can provide fragrance emission and self-wateringcapability for the potted plant for relatively long periods of time.

A further objective of the invention is to provide such a device whereineither the fragrance emitting capability or the self-watering featurecan be replenished quickly and easily. The water supply can bereplenished by simply lifting the potted plant from its support andfilling the water reservoir to the desired level. The fragrance emittingsubstance is preferably in the form of an annular cartridge adapted tobe supported by the bottom container or vase, and disposed in spacedrelation around an upwardly extending neck of the vase. A cap extendsover the vase and cartridge and provides support for the potted plant.The cap can be quickly and easily removed from its mounting on the vase,thereby permitting the cartridge to be operatively positioned in place,or replaced in the event the fragrance emitting substance has been spentor dissipated.

A further feature of the invention is the ability to variably adjustfragrance emission. In accordance with the invention, the cap overlyingthe fragrance emitting cartridge is vertically adjustable relative tothe vase, preferably by a screw threaded mounting arrangement. The capcan be moved to a lower position in which it fully engages the vase andcompletely encloses and seals off the cartridge, or to a partially orfully open position in which the cartridge is exposed on all sides tothe atmosphere to emit fragrance into the room. The cap can be closedfor shipping or when emission of fragrance is not desired, and can bevariably adjusted to the desired open position by the consumer to obtainthe desired amount of fragrance emission.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, thefragrance emitting plant watering system is characterized as comprisinga bottom vase defining a reservoir for water supply for a potted plantand having a generally circular neck portion extending upwardly at thetop end of the vase; an annular air freshener cartridge supported on thevase around and in spaced relation to the neck of the vase; a cap orcover overlying the cartridge and providing a supporting surface for apotted plant, and wherein the cap is mounted relative to the neck of thevase so as to be vertically adjustable with regard to the vase, therebyvariably exposing the cartridge to the atmosphere so as to variablyadjust fragrance emission.

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent as thefollowing description proceeds in particular reference to theapplication drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of theinvention, showing a potted plant supported on the vase and the capadjusted to a relatively open position;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the basic components of the system,with an optional cap being shown in lieu of a potted plant;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the system, showing the cap in anelevated position to expose the fragrance cartridge; and

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3, showing the cap in aclosed position completely enclosing the cartridge, with the pottedplant being shown fragmentarily.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now in more detail to the application drawings, wherein likeparts are indicated by like reference numerals, and initially to FIGS. 1and 2, the fragrance emitting plant watering system of the presentinvention comprises a vase or container generally indicated at 10, afragrance cartridge generally indicated at 12, and a cap generallyindicated at 14. In FIG. 2, a cover 16 is illustrated which can beoptionally used in the absence of a potted plant, for closing the opencenter of the cap.

The vase includes a base 18, an upwardly enlarged body 20, a flat upperportion 22, and a reduced diameter neck 24 provided on its exteriorsurface with threads 26 to receive the cap 14 as will be hereinafterdescribed.

The cartridge 12 includes a generally U-shaped casing 30 (see FIG. 3) inwhich is disposed a fragrance emitting substance 32, preferably in theform of a solid gel material. The casing and gel are preferablyprepackaged, and the casing is formed with a central opening 34 topermit the cartridge to be positioned loosely around the neck 24 and besupported on the flat upper portion 22 of the vase. The cap 14 isadapted to extend over the cartridge to variably enclose the same, andis vertically adjustable relative to the base as will be presentlydescribed.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cap 14 includes a curved top portion 40,an annular downwardly depending skirt 42 having internal threads 44, anda generally funnel-shaped central section 46. The angularity and heightof the funnel section is designed to complement the shape of the pot,and the section is formed near its top with an annular shoulder 48adapted to be engaged by and provide support for the top flange 50 ofthe pot, generally indicated at P. The funnel-shaped central section 46extends below the pot when the latter is supported in position. Theshoulder 48 is below the top horizontal surface of the top 40 of the capby an amount substantially equal to the vertical dimension of the flange50 of the pot, whereby the top of the pot is generally coplanar with thetop surface, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The potted plant can thus besimply dropped in the funnel-shaped section 46, with the pot beingsupported by its flange 50. As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sidewall of the pot is slightly spaced from the opposed wall of thefunnel-shaped central section 46. It will be noted that when the pot isin position, the bottom of the section 46 extends below the pot. Thisarrangement serves to trap any water which may tend to accumulate nearthe center of the vase when and if the vase is inadvertently tipped orturned sideways during shipping or handling, thus precluding orinhibiting water from dripping out through the area in which the pot ispositioned.

To render the system self-watering, a wick 60 is positioned in thegrowing media within the pot P and extends downwardly into the vase,terminating near or at the bottom thereof. A locking system for the wickcan be provided to retain the wick in place, for example, a system asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,159. However, the specific manner inwhich the wick is locked in place in the pot forms no part of thepresent invention.

The threads 26 formed on the exterior surface of the neck 24 of the vaseand the threads 44 formed on the interior surface of the skirt 42 of thecap 14 are configured and dimensioned so that the cap can be threaded onthe neck and vertically adjustable with regard to the top surface 22 ofthe vase. The internal diameter of the casing 30 of the cartridge 12 isdimensioned so that such diameter is slightly larger than the outerdiameter of the skirt 42. Thus, the skirt 42 can be inserted within thecartridge and threadedly received by the neck of the vase.

The vertical adjustability of the cap relative to the vase has severaladvantages. When the cap is threaded down tight against the surface 22of the vase, the cartridge is fully enclosed, as shown in FIG. 4. Sincein that position the cartridge is essentially sealed, fragrance emissionis precluded or greatly inhibited, thereby extending the useful life ofthe freshener gel. This also permits the cartridge to be in place at thetime of shipping, thereby reducing the need for cartridge placementeither at the point of sale or by the consumer. The fully closedposition of the cover also inhibits water leakage outwardly of the unitin the event the vase is partially filled prior to shipment.

The system can be shipped with or without plant material. If plantmaterial is separately supplied, it can be placed in the vase in anattractive display at the point of sale, or sold separately to theconsumer. At the time the plant is positioned in the vase, the reservoirprovided by the vase should of course be completely or partially filledwith water, and the cap can be retained in its fully sealed position asshown in FIG. 4, or a partially open position as shown in FIG. 3.

To activate the air freshener, the user need merely unscrew the cap inmuch the same manner as a top or cap for a bottle. The cap can thus bewithdrawn upwardly relative to the vase, with the amount of suchmovement being adjusted as desired by the user. The range of opening iscontrolled by the length of the engaged threads, and in order to removethe cap completely from the vase, for example, when the cartridge is tobe replaced, the cap can be withdrawn completely from threadedengagement with the neck of the vase. The cartridge can then be replacedand the cap again threaded on the neck of the vase. It will be notedthat the vertical adjustment or complete removal of the cap relative tothe vase can be accomplished without affecting the potted plant.

In the preferred form, the casing 30 of the cartridge 12 is designed intwo parts, an upper ring and a generally L-shaped lower ring, which canbe snapped together after the solid gel 32 has been positioned over thelower ring. The gel per se forms no part of the present invention andcan be a typical shrinking gel which holds its charge for approximately30-60 days. It will be understood that when the cap is in a partially orfully opened position, the gel will be expended more quickly than whenthe cap is either fully closed or opened to a lesser extent.

As illustrated, the cap 14 is constructed in one piece, and thereforecan be manufactured inexpensively. The vase is likewise preferably ofone piece construction.

In the form shown, the cap 14 and particularly the funnel-shaped centersection 46 is designed to receive a small miniature plant having a potsize of approximately 4-6 cm. However, it will be apparent that the vaseand cap could be substantially larger in size.

In the absence of a potted plant, a cover 16 (FIG. 2) can be positionedin the central opening of the cap, with the dimension of the cover beingsuch that it engages and is supported by the shoulder 48. The system canthus be fully closed at the top when a plant is not present, with thecover 16 providing an attractive appearance in the event the system isutilized only for air freshening purposes. This greatly expands theversatility of the product.

The dimensions of the system can be varied as desired. If the system isdesigned to accommodate larger potted plants than that described andillustrated, the components comprising the system will havecorrespondingly greater dimensions. However, the system will function inthe same manner. The size and shape of the vase is such that a waterstorage capacity of approximately two weeks is desirably provided. Thewatering of the plant by capillary action ensures that continuous bottomwatering is provided for, a feature that many plants, for example,African Violets, greatly prefer.

Although a solid gel is illustrated and described as the preferredfreshener substance, other forms of cartridge designs having controlledrelease of fragrance can be utilized. One such form similarly utilizes acartridge, but the fragrance emitting substance is liquid. In that form,the cartridge further includes a silicon paper membrane for remainingand emitting the substance, with the amount of surface space of themembrane being directly proportionate to the amount of fragrance to beemitted. In such form, a seal is preferably provided with the cartridge,and the seal can be broken by the customer at the time the air fresheneris activated. In this alternative form, the same or a similar typecasing would be provided, similarly dimensioned to be positioned overthe neck of the vase and accommodating the threaded engagement of thecap with the neck of the vase. An important feature of any typecartridge that is used is that it can be quickly and easily positionedfor activation, and easily replaced when exhausted. This greatlyfacilitates convenience of usage of the system by the customer.

It will thus be seen that the objects of the invention have beenaccomplished. The fragrance emitting plant-watering system is of simpleconstruction, essentially comprising three separate components which canbe easily and quickly assembled. The cap is specially formed to providesupport for a potted plant, and is mounted for adjustment on the vase toexpose the fragrance emitting gel in varying amounts. The systemprovides automatic self-watering of the plant while at the same timeproviding the additional air freshening function.

What is claimed is:
 1. A plant watering container assembly comprising:abottom container section having closed side and bottom walls defining areservoir for supplying water to a plant contained in a generallyfunnel-shaped pot, a top container section connected to said bottomcontainer section in a water tight manner, said top container sectionincluding an integrally formed funnel-shaped central section extendingdownwardly toward but terminating substantially above said reservoir anddefining a complementary funnel-shaped opening for receiving the pottedplant, said funnel-shaped central section having a bottom which isopen-ended and being so configured as to receive and support a pottedplant positioned in said funnel-shaped opening, with the length of saidfunnel-shaped central section being such that the bottom of the sectionextends below the pot when the latter is supported in position, and awater wick extending from a growing media in the pot downwardly throughthe open-ended central section and into the water reservoir, whereby, inthe event the container is tipped or turned on its side, water in thereservoir is trapped outwardly of said funnel-shaped central section,the water tight connection between the top and bottom container sectionsprecluding water passing outwardly of the container through thefunnel-shaped central section.
 2. The combination of a plant wateringcontainer assembly and a generally funnel-shaped plant pot, thecontainer assembly comprising:a bottom container section having closedside and bottom walls defining a reservoir for supplying water to aplant contained in the generally funnel-shaped pot, a top containersection connected to said bottom container section in a water tightmanner, said top container section including an integrally formedfunnel-shaped central section extending downwardly toward butterminating substantially above said reservoir and defining acomplementary funnel-shaped opening for receiving the plant pot, saidfunnel-shaped central section having a bottom which is open-ended andconfigured so as to receive and support a plant pot positioned in saidfunnel-shaped opening, with the length of said funnel-shaped centralsection being such that the bottom of the section extends below the potwhen the latter is supported in position, whereby, in the event thecontainer is tipped or turned on its side, water in the reservoir istrapped outwardly of said funnel-shaped central section, the water tightconnection between the top and bottom container sections precludingwater passing outwardly of the container through the funnel-shapedcentral section.
 3. The combination of claim 2, further including awater wick communicating at one end with a growing media in the pot, theother end of said wick extending downwardly through the open-endedcentral section and into the water reservoir whereby the plant can beself-watered by capillary action.
 4. A plant watering container assemblyfor receiving a pot and supplying water to a plant potted in the pot,comprising:a bottom container section having closed side and bottomwalls defining a reservoir adapted for containing the water to besupplied to the plant potted in the pot, a top container sectionconnected to said bottom container section in a water tight manner, saidtop container section including an integrally formed funnel-shapedcentral section extending into said reservoir to an open-ended bottom,said funnel-shaped central section defining a funnel-shaped openingadapted to receive and support the pot, said bottom of saidfunnel-shaped central section being adapted to extend into saidreservoir further than the pot when the pot is received and supported insaid funnel-shaped opening, whereby, in the event the container istipped or turned on its side, said funnel-shaped central section isadapted to trap water in the reservoir outwardly of said funnel-shapedcentral section and to preclude water passing outwardly of the containerthrough said funnel-shaped opening, and said water tight connectionbetween the top and bottom container sections is adapted to precludewater passing outwardly of the container from said reservoir.